89 K5 Engine Swap

[MrSpring]

I have an 89 K5 Scottsdale 4x4, a few years back I had the transmission rebuild but shortly after the engine blew. I’m looking into swapping the engine for a crate, specifically a Vortec. I am curious if it’s doable, and what it will take to pull off a far as pairing up to transmission and making it functional.

 

[MrSpring]

I have an 89 K5 Scottsdale 4x4, a few years back I had the transmission rebuild but shortly after the engine blew. I’m looking into swapping the engine for a crate, specifically a Vortec. I am curious if it’s doable, and what it will take to pull off a far as pairing up to transmission and making it functional.

I’m not 100% what the transmission is at the moment, but after sitting for over a year what are y’all’s suggestions to do with the transmission as well?

 

[dyeager535]

Vortec swap is doable.

Physically the swap in your case would be pretty simple. Proper bolt pattern intake, that's about all that's required I can think of in terms of what is really different physically, externally, vs. TBI.

However. The problem is the injection system. Vortec makes significantly more power, and the way it does so requires significant changes to timing and fueling. The only ways to get there (keeping it EFI) are to learn PROM tuning, go with Dynamic EFI's EBL, or convert to an aftermarket injection system.

I don't see the Dynamic EFI being a bad option, but a Vortec swap is not a plug and play option unfortunately. All that is, is a stock LO5 swap.

Transmission-wise, the 700R4, in good shape, would be fine behind that motor IMO. Certainly the least amount of effort.

 

[HankScorpio]

Be careful with swaps in CA. The emissions equipment could be a real issue.

 

[MrSpring]

Be careful with swaps in CA. The emissions equipment could be a real issue.

What would you recommend I shoot’s for? I am planning to live out of state within the next year or two to follow my family, but I’m trying to get truck back on the road before I head out

 

[HankScorpio]

I am fortunate to live in a state with no emissions. If you already have family out of state you may consider registering the truck outside CA if you plan to move there. It would get you around the CA emissions requirements. The guys posting up here about CA engine swaps really hate it.

 

[MrSpring]

Vortec swap is doable.

Physically the swap in your case would be pretty simple. Proper bolt pattern intake, that's about all that's required I can think of in terms of what is really different physically, externally, vs. TBI.

However. The problem is the injection system. Vortec makes significantly more power, and the way it does so requires significant changes to timing and fueling. The only ways to get there (keeping it EFI) are to learn PROM tuning, go with Dynamic EFI's EBL, or convert to an aftermarket injection system.

I don't see the Dynamic EFI being a bad option, but a Vortec swap is not a plug and play option unfortunately. All that is, is a stock LO5 swap.

Transmission-wise, the 700R4, in good shape, would be fine behind that motor IMO. Certainly the least amount of effort.

With that being said is it a better option to stay with what u have just drop it in and go? The vortex interests me completely cause more power and the engine is a good option but with the injection adds would it make it a lot more costly than just dropping in a standard 350?

Also with the amount of crate motors on the markets is there one you would recommend over the other or would a crate even be the best option?

 

[dyeager535]

I think the L31 is an excellent truck motor. Its what I run, although my induction is TPI, so a slightly different animal. GM also jacked the L31 crate price nearly double a few years back, so it's a bit harder to justify now I feel.

Sure seems to me that the "chain" rebuilders are hacks. Either an LO5 crate (if made) or have your block rebuilt if possible would be the way to keep it California legal and run the least risk of a big headache.

IMO the Vortec swap with the EBL wouldn't be a bad option (barring the CA problem), you'd be into it for a few hundred more dollars just due to the EBL, but the Vortecs make significantly more power than TBI, so up to you if the expense and hassle is something you want to tackle.

There really is no getting around the TBI though. If you go any route save the LO5 crate or stock rebuild, they should be tuned, and in this day and age, your options with that are quite limited. You might check Howell(?), they may still offer chip burning that could be trusted.

 

[78 GMC Jimmy]

Be careful with swaps in CA. The emissions equipment could be a real issue.

Emissions testing in California? You could take a 100% electric car through the emission test, and it would fail the test if you have a pro-Trump bumper sticker.